Why should I do it:
- Helps direct students to start and stop activities
- Is a crucial tool for classroom management
- Serves as an instructional signal an indicator that helps students to conform to behavioral, academic, and etiquette expectations
- Gets students attention and focus
- Serves as a verbal cue to transition, follow through, follow directives, comply with rules and expectations, etc
- Students respond better to start commands then being told what to do, lectured at, or pestered
- Establishes a classroom management methodology and pattern that student recognize and adhere to
- Provides increased classroom structure
When should I do it:
- When beginning a new subject
- During transitions
- When initiating students to begin working
- When starting reading or quiet time
- When initiating a new task
- When lining up for lunch
- Quieting a noisy and hyper class or group of students down to begin class or work
- Getting students attention
- Before delivering directions, directives, or explanations
- Near the end of a work period, test, or timed activity
- At the start and end of the day, tasks, activities, etc
- At the end of recess to gather the class
- When reminding students of rules, expectations, and PBIS concepts
How do I do it:
- Here are some effective start commands to use in the classroom:
- I’ll begin as soon as you are seated
- I’ll be glad to start as soon as you show me that you are ready
- I’ll be working from page 54
- I’ll be lining people up as soon as it is quiet
- I allow people to sharpen pencils when I am not giving directions
- Feel free to go to the restroom when I’m not giving directions
- You are welcome to stay with us as long as you and others are not being bothered
- Feel free to stay with us when you can keep your hands to yourself
- I give full credit for papers turned in on time
- I’ll listen as soon as your voice is as calm as mine
- I’ll be glad to discuss this when respect is shown
- All of those who arrive on time go home on time
- I’ll be glad to accept all papers that meet the neatness standard for this room
- All owners of neat desks are welcome to join us at recess
- I loan paper to those who have not borrowed before
- Feel free to borrow from anyone but me
- You may go out as soon as you have your coat
- You may stay with us if you can give up on that behavior
- Feel free to come back to the room as soon as you are calm
- Those who can follow the rules are welcome to play the game
- I’ll be glad to discuss this with you as soon as the arguing stops
- All of those who can handle the paintbrushes right are welcome to join us in the project
- All of those who remember permission slips are welcome to go on the field trip
Resources & Support for technique:
